art and design
media and performing arts

art and design

click here for occupations in art and design

People working in design, arts and crafts help to make the world around us a more attractive place. Their creative and original ideas can extend to practical things, affecting the appearance and usefulness of virtually everything around us.

Artists - who express their ideas and creativity through producing paintings or sculptures. Most fine artists have to take other work part time, as very few earn a living solely from selling their art.
Craft workers - who use their creative and practical skills, eg engravers, musical instrument manufacturers and repairers, and picture framers.
Designers - who apply their artistic ability to finding practical solutions to a huge range of products and services. Most designers specialise in just one area, such as graphics, product design, theatre and television stage set, theatrical costume, textile, jewellery or clothing/fashion. The use of computers, computer-aided design, is becoming increasingly important in some types of design work. Competition for many design jobs can be fierce.

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www.connexions-direct.com/ jobs4u/ jobfamily/ designartsandcrafts/ designartsandcrafts.cfm?id=148

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media and performing arts

click here for occupations in media and performing arts

media
Workers in media, print and publishing provide information and entertainment for people throughout the UK. Opportunities range from craft and technical to professional level. Jobs are available in:
* TV, film and radio - ranging from local radio programmes to multi-million pound feature films
* newspapers and magazines - researching, writing, editing and illustrating stories and features on topics as varied as politics and cookery
* books - writing and editing fiction and non-fiction on a vast range of subjects
* photography - capturing a wide range of images from wedding photographs to illustrations for hard-hitting news stories
* print - producing everything from greetings cards and brochures to books and newspapers.

Many jobs are based indoors in offices, print shops or studios. Some workers, particularly those in media, may be required to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Long hours are normal in many jobs and additional hours may be necessary to meet deadlines. Some jobs involve shift work.
Employers range from small companies to large organisations like major newspaper groups or the BBC. Self-employment is common in media and in some publishing roles. In this sector there are over 1,000 companies involved in TV production, 500 radio stations and around 2,000 book publishers. Printing employs over 170,000 people. There is intense competition for many jobs.
There are printing companies, local and regional newspapers, and TV and radio stations in towns and cities throughout the UK. However, most national newspapers, magazines, broadcasting organisations and many book publishing houses are based in London. Some media projects could involve travelling to different locations in the UK or overseas.

Skills in demand in this sector include creativity and teamwork. For many jobs, confidence, IT skills and excellent communication skills are essential.
Many jobs have no formal entry requirements. However, media and publishing are so competitive that many employers recruit graduates, even to junior positions. Applicants in these fields need to be persistent and committed to succeed. Relevant work experience, which is often unpaid, can be a vital step to finding paid employment. There are opportunities in printing for entrants at every level.

Most training is on the job. Opportunities range from vocational qualifications like NVQs/SVQs in printing to short courses on subjects like editing, proofreading and the use of specialist software packages. Some printing companies offer Apprenticeships.
There is rarely a formal promotion structure, but with experience it is usually possible to progress to more senior roles. Continuing professional development may be necessary to keep up to date with developments in the sector. Work overseas may be available.

performing arts
Many people are attracted by the idea of working in the entertainment industry. For the successful few, making their living as actors, musicians, singers and dancers of the stage and screen, it can be a glamorous and exciting life. However, there are many more people who work behind the scenes, whose job it is - literally - to get the show on the road. Individual skills and talent usually determine which area of the performing arts is chosen:
* The stage - actors play characters, interpreting a script in rehearsal with the director and cast. Hair-raising stunts may be performed by stunt performers.
* Dance - choreographers work out the steps to be performed by dancers, ranging from the classical ballet repertoire to pop video routines.
* Music - classical and popular musicians perform live or pre-recorded songs and music. Their music may be played to a wider audience by disc jockeys and their careers may be handled by promotions managers.
* Design - costumes for stage and screen are designed in the wardrobe department and make-up artists apply and style hair and make-up effects.
* Backstage - the stage managers, stage hands, roadies and lighting technicians whose technical and organisational skills create the scene for the audience.

Audiences see and hear performers executing their craft in comfortable venues such as theatres, radio and television studios, and concert halls. However, performers often work in rehearsal spaces that can be cold and draughty, or under strong lights that can be hot. There can be a lot of standing about in dark, cramped wings. It is common to work late nights, and long and irregular hours.

The entertainment industry is a buoyant one with a range of opportunities, although regular work is not always guaranteed. For example, of the 36,000 members of British actors' union, Equity, it is estimated that only two-thirds are in paid work at any one time. Most are based in London - close to theatre, concert, studio and audition venues. However, there are opportunities to work throughout the UK and overseas, such as in regional theatre or as part of a touring production.

Performing artists rarely succeed on creative talent alone; single-minded determination in the face of endless rejections is the key to surviving this extremely competitive industry. It is important to build up a network of influential contacts. Many people do other types of work - perhaps temporary work, writing or teaching - in between jobs in order to guarantee a regular income.

Routes into the industry vary widely. Many people start in junior positions, learning on the job. Some do unpaid work in radio stations or theatres, and may eventually be offered paid employment. There are a number of vocational stage and music schools offering training to a professional standard, and universities and colleges offering HNDs or degrees in performing arts and stage management. Some technical jobs offer apprenticeship-style training schemes, leading to NVQs/SVQs.

People who work in the performing arts dedicate themselves to developing their skills by regular practice, expanding their repertoire, moving into other areas of the arts, or being promoted to senior positions within their specialist area.

source: Jobs 4 u website

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